Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Be patient. The frenzy purchases will slow down and supply will catch up to demand as demand slows.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I've been seriously looking into getting an AK47, Zastava M70 or similar. They seem to be right around $1,000 at this point in time. Anyone know what a fair price for a new AK from the Zastava factory would be? I'm tempted to just buy one now, but if prices will be falling soon I can wait. I need to get a Glock 29sf too, cc will be on the books soon so that may be the next purchase.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Hey alljust bought my first firearm today at a pocal range. S&W m&p 9mm. I've shot it before did plenty of research then pulled the trigger :). Went out bougjt a handgun safe and cleaning kit to go with it as well. Super excited to take it to the range this week! It came with night sites and once I break it in I might do an apex trigger kit as well. If I can figure out how to upload pics from my phone I will.

Funny part is, I went to cabelas two meijers and two walmarts plus where I bought it from... turns out ammo is harder to find/buy then the gun haha. Everyones all ban this ban that no assault rifles or pistols! No need to ban something when you can't use it! My friend is hooking me up with some ammo but I found it kind of funny. Good shooting to everyone and stay safe!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Range ammo as in name brand ball ammo or re-loads? Ball ammo is fine for self defense if you do not have any dedicated defense ammo. Better that rocks :D. Although it does not expand, ball ammo still helps evacuate blood as quickly as possible :r.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Does anyone here use gunbroker for ammo? They seem to be the only place where you can get ammo

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

bass pro around here usually gets ammo on friday morning.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Around here, Wallyworld usually gets a delivery 2-3 times a week, but they never seem to have any on the shelves. Turns out one of the local shops sends thier guys out almost every morning at 6am to buy any up that happen to be on the shelves.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The times I have ordered from Gunbroker.com, I have done so from the two vendors, one of which I buy from directly on a regular basis.
Sportsman Supply is one and my regular go to outside of Gunbroker.com is SG Ammo.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Yep. Same here. Some BS.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

If you're looking for just some cheap plinking ammo than it should be ok. Some ranges down load their ammo (if it's made in house) so it doesn't damage house rentals and saves on powder. If it's made in house maybe you can talk to the reloader about buying in bulk.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Anyone do their own reloading? I've looked into it before. Thinking about a lee turret press and wanted to know other peoples thoughts on reloading

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I've reloaded for about a year, only pistol cartridges so far, and only using a Lee turret press.

I enjoy it. It takes time though, and right now finding components is almost as hard as finding loaded ammo. If you want to reload just because you can't find ammo, I'd suggest sit tight and wait it out. If you want a new hobby, go for it. Expect about $150 or so to get in the game, plus components. You CAN buy everything online (when it's in-stock), but powder and primers will come with a $27 hazmat fee on top of regular shipping charges, so you'll probably want to see if any of your local shops have those supplies.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Awesome thanks mark! A year ago I was looking into reloading for a hobby and it makes even more sense with ammo being so over priced now. If I can find parts that is

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Yes, I have reloaded for 20ish years on all forms and varieties of presses. I load rifle/pistol (including obsolete cartridges)

Please ask what you'd like and I'll attempt to answer it.

Lee Turret is a ok press.

What calibers do you plan to load and how many a month?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

For now just 9mm which I do realize won't be a huge money saver once prices come down. But I feel like it would be a relaxing hobby at the end of a long day. (I like hobbies like this I paint warhammer figures, models things like that). I was wondering what a good press would be for starters? I don't need to mass produce rounds or anything just enough to let's rip a few off now and then at the range.

On a side note: walmarts are stashing ammo behind the desks or in back. Go and ask to speak with a store manager. Make sure its a store manager not a floor manager or anyone else. Go to walmart.com amd get the cpu code (not sure if they are different but in my region its 0002946506087) and ask if they are in stock. I went to a local wally world during my lunch break and the gentlemen incharge of the sporting goods section was very nice told me the delivery schedule and that yes, a lot of walmarts are stashing ammo out of sight. Max of 3 boxes a day per person.

Edit: that cpu code is for 9mm

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'd wait for as couple of reasons

1. Prices should be falling in the near future

2. Most of the ammo is imported...an EO from the POTUS can prohibit future importation of it.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Don't use GB for any purchases, That site is just for entertainment (IMO). I don't know about where you are at but here you just have to look around for ammo. Try Armslist or outdoorstrader if you want to over pay to "have it now" but it is still WAY better than GB.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Is your problem with GB just high prices or something else?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Just the insane prices, Nothing more.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

That's after the lunacy that started in December.
Prior to that, there were always great deals there.
Best ammo prices anywhere at the time if you were patient and nailed the right one.
Now? I agree, overpriced but that is due to the folks willing to pay it.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Man in having a hard time selling my xd9 here in N. Cali I might have to try armslist.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

All you need is any single stage "O" style press. RCBS, LEE, Hornady will all work fine.

THIS:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/646...ess-master-kit


Above is an example of all you'll need. Just add 9mm dies/shellholder, brass, powder, bullets, small pistol primers, and a good reloading manual.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I was looking at that one earlier today. My buddy said I should save the money and go straight for the dillon 550b. He said ill adventually want one sooner or later. The reviews on itare all aamazing. But is it one of those tools you need experience to use kinda things?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Picked up a Keltec KSG today for below MSRP :noon. Can't wait to take this out and shoot.


http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps607fa867.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'd love to get a hold of one of those! Great pickup!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Pretty sure my Range does their own reloads for range use. I was just thinking of a way to load up on cheap ammo.


Yup, just want some for use away from my local range. No need to pay premium (if I can ever find any) for defense ammo when I'm just gonna waste it shooting at cans and targets in a field.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I use my friends dillon, I think it's the 550. The thing is amazing I don't think I'll ever want to use a single stage press ever, I can't even imagine how slow and cumbersome it could be. He did learn on a single stage (if I'm using he term correctly) he said that it taught him to be patient and how to properly reload.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

More info? I may have a friend that's interested.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I picked up my complete PSA lower on gunbroker a couple of weeks ago for $300.

Pretty reasonable price IMO for a respected brand I saw higher prices for Frontier lowers.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Man, pleases share how you managed to pull that off at below MSRP.
Please!!! Pretty Please!!!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I load with both single stage and progressive presses.

In my experience, I've learned the following.

Speed is not your friend when reloading. Speed is especially not your friend when you're first starting out reloading. Unless you're going to load 600+ rounds and can't spend more than 2 hrs doing it, there is no real need for a progressive press.

There are a few reasons I'd suggest you start out with a single stage press.

1. You're making mini explosives and you're better off learning the basics before you start mass producing rounds quickly.
2. There are more chances of catastrophic issues with pistol rounds than rifle (pistol is much easier to double charge than rifle)
3. You're going to invest a lot for something you may not like

Stages of reloading: (basics as there are many other stages that can be preformed to attempt to control the minutia of variances between rounds in an attempt to maximize accuracy)

1. Case Prep
a. clean cases
b. size / de-prime (uses press and die)
c. trim (if necessary)
d. chamfer inside and out
e. prime (potentially dangerous as primers can ignite when inserting and if so can cause all primers in priming device to detonate)

2. Charge case (most time consuming part of process)
a. measure powder (variety of methods: manual thrower / scoop / digital thrower)
b. weigh powder (use balance beam or digital scale)
c. drop powder in case (check...check....check....I can't say this enough.....C H E C K what you're doing here as this is where serious issues occur)

3. Seat bullet
a. Seat bullet to proper seating depth for O.A.L. of cartridge (uses press and die)
b. Crimp bullet (depends on bullet/cartridge type and if necessary - uses press and die)

4. Check weights and measurements for constancy and variances

As you can see from the above you have a lot of things going on and trying to do them all at once can be dangerous unless you know what you're doing and have some practice at it.


Now if you're going to load only 9mm and a few hundred at a setting you can do this with a single stage press very easily and fairly quickly with a single stage press set up.

The key is to use a ball powder (like WIN 231) and create a load around it for your pistol. Ball powder meters very easily and consistently so you can use a manual powder thrower and this will help to cut some of the time down.

Along with this, 9mm is a straight walled case and doesn't need as much case prep (doesn't need mirrored polished cleaning each time) and can be sized/de-primed quickly with carbide dies.


Rules to live by when reloading:

1. NEVER MORE THAN ONE OPEN POWDER ON THE BENCH AT ONE TIME
2. Do not reload when drinking or taking drugs or recreationally using state approved medical drugs...;)
3. Do not reload while watching TV
4. If you think there is something wrong with what you did or how the round looks, SCRAP IT. It's not worth your firearm, your life and the lives of those around you.


Also, you don't really save money reloading. You just shoot more for the same money spent on factory ammo. And you'll have to calculate those savings and shoot enough rounds to break even with the cost of the equipment before the cost benefits really kick in.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Complete luck to be honest. We had a brand new pawn and gun open up yesterday literally across the street from our neiborhood. I was the first one in the door and asked about the KSG and PMR30. He pulled out the KSG with an 1100 price tag. Then he told me about the 10% military discount. :D. First sale in the new store. Just wish he had the PMR. Been looking for over a year for one at a decent price.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I wouldn't jump straight to the Dillon. Here's why:

1) Starting with a turret or single stage will force you to slow down, take your time, and focus on what you're doing.

2) Presses hold their value. Try finding a used press more than a few bucks cheaper than new. If you do decide to upgrade, you should be able to sell your starter press for at least 80% of the new price.

3) You won't want to sell the starter press though. You'll set that one up for a special cartridge you want to load slowly for utmost accuracy (probably rifle), and use the progressive for plinking pistol ammo. :)

I'd go with a turret press over a single stage. All the advantages to the single stage PLUS you can load faster once you get the hang of it. Honestly I think it's safer too since you work one cartridge at a time, start to finish. Seems less likely to accidentally double charge or no charge a case because you got distracted and forgot where you were in your loading block.

Here's a few additional things you'll probably want that may not be in a kit:

Calipers (I prefer digital, but it's your call) - you'll want to measure overall cartridge length.
Tumbler - If you want to reuse your own or range brass, you'll need to clean it.
Digital Balance - Mine cost $20, works great. I use a few bullets as test weight, it's very consistent and a lot easier to use than a beam balance.
Bullet puller - For WHEN you screw up and need to separate components.
Ammo boxes - I use a combination of flip top plastic boxes, surplus ammo cans, and empty paper boxes picked out of the trashcan at the local range.

Finally, don't overlook the Lee products. They cost half the price of the other brands but that doesn't mean they're bad. The cost difference between RCBS and Lee will buy you a lot of powder, primer, and bullets.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Good advice here...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks for all the advice. I'm definitely going to go with a single or turrent style after reading your posts. Now to do some research on powders. Thanks again all for the advice!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Those last two weapons pictured here are awesome! That crazy camo paint AR and the Kel Tec shotgun make me wanna start saving...again :)

Here is my latest, just got it the other day, Rock Island M5 Tactical 12GA shotgun:

https://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/...0423162328.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Sad but true.
I have used GB for the last 12 years and the high prices go way past December 14 2012. prices are just insane but getting slightly better.
I have found some OK deals on black-powder stuff and a few parts but rudimentary search on most guns will yield better prices in short order.

Awesome score! We have four of these on order for the original MSRP of $585 (ish), I don't know if they will ever show up....:rolleyes:

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I think I've decided to go with a lee turret press kit that comes with everything except the dies, bullet remover, calipers and I belive a scale. Although I'm hesitant becausing not being able to go to the range is frustratong enough. Having the press would be even worse cause its something I can do anytime.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

It is finally done...first 90 round shot group today as well. Now time to zero this thing in.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Wish I could find a KSG for $100 over MSRP :(

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Before even remotely considering any gun sight adjustments, recommend this.

http://kitup.military.com/2012/08/pi...-training.html

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I think Jackson had some on order since they came out :r. I think they ordered 4 of them, I asked to put one on hold for me when they finally arrived. Not sure if ours got cancelled due to the price increase or the owner just said forget it.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Maryland small arms has m&p 17round 9mm mags in stock for 45each!! Just ordered myself 2 :).

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

This was for a supported 223, not a handgun.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Get 'em while you can, those will be illegal in MD in 6 months.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I picked up two of them. Thinking about calling back to order a third but that would give me 5. I can't seem myself making good use of 5.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

If the price is good go for it. Extra mags are never a bad thing.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

45 bucks a pop. On gunbroker they are 110-180

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'd wait till prices drop, on average I have about 6 mags per firearm. Some have a lot more depending on the deals I get.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The price was right for me. S&w says retail is 45 for them and that's what I paid. With this market you can't ask for much more. I know they go as low as 35 but ten bucks extra to get them now in this market vs waiting who knows how log was worth it to me. But I would never pay 100+ or close to that for them.